April 13, 1942 - February 20, 2021
Paul passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 20, 2021. Paul was predeceased by parents Thomas and Elizabeth Wurz and eldest brother Thomas and wife Darlene.
He is survived by Lynn, his loving wife of 48 years, three children: Ryan (Christina), Tara (Gene) and Chris; five grandchildren: Quentin, Makenzie, Avery, Quinn and Sierra; sister Elizabeth (Don), brother Joe (Kathy) and many relatives and close friends.
He was born in Penticton and raised on the family orchard in Keremeos, BC. Paul attended UBC and UVic, receiving a degree in Physical Education and a master's degree in counseling.
In 1967, Paul moved to Campbell River where he began a 30 year teaching, coaching and counseling career at Carihi, Robron and Timberline. Lynn and Paul were married in 1972 and started a large hobby farm with a menagerie of animals.
They raised cows, pigs, horses, peacocks, turkeys, ducks, geese, as well as an assortment of colorful pheasants along with the family cats and dogs and had a flock of pampered chickens as well.
Paul loved sports and people. He was a dedicated and passionate coach. Throughout his career, Paul coached basketball, wrestling, volleyball, track & field and soccer.
After retirement from teaching in 1995, he dedicated his time and energy to cultivating rhododendrons. He was a long time member of the North Island Rhododendron Society. The hobby grew into a nursery business with acres of display beds for visitors to enjoy every spring. He enjoyed giving garden tours and always had time for a good chat and a beverage on the patio.
Paul was a kind, loving and patient husband, father, and grandfather. He had a passion for fishing, canoeing, and picking chanterelles. When he wasn't puttering in his gardens, he spent his spare time salmon fishing, and fly fishing for trout in the local lakes. He delighted in playing cards and especially loved to win.
May he rest peacefully in a place where the sun is always shining, the rhododendrons always blooming and the trout rising to a carefully presented "dry-fly". Our memory of you will always occupy a warm place in our hearts.
Due to COVID restrictions, a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.